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‘Feasibility’ of new pool for Plymouth to be considered

PLYMOUTH — As swim season quickly approaches, a local committee is still hard at work trying to raise money for a new pool.
The pool at Plymouth High School was closed earlier this year due to age and disrepair, and the high school swim team is currently practicing at nearby Oregon-Davis High School. Leanne Senter, PHS swim coach, is part of the committee seeking to build a new pool. The goal is to fundraise for the entire cost.
“We have decided to have a feasibility study professionally done, to give us some credibility,” said Senter.
This study will show whether the city of Plymouth can support a pool.
“At some point we will have to have a public meeting about this, and we want specifics about the project to present,” said Senter.
She added that a feasibility study could cost several thousand dollars.
Brent Martin, another member of the committee, said that the study will likely look at Plymouth’s population — numbers as well as the demographic and amount of disposable income of the population — and proximity of other swimming facilities. The consultant hired would also speak with stakeholders such as city officials, members of the community, and members of the Plymouth Sharks swim club.
“This is a three or four month process, maybe six months,” said Martin.
One of the factors that may influence the likelihood of Plymouth sustaining a new pool could be that the city already has a swimming facility at the nearby LifePlex.
“The pool at the LifePlex is not well suited to competition swimming — there are not enough lanes,” said Martin. “Now, whether something could be added on to the LifePlex, I’m not sure.”
The study will look at the cost to build a new pool, the facilities possible operating expenses, and its marketing potential.
“The purpose of the study is to put onto paper the goals and aspirations of the project and how they can or can’t be met by the community,” said Martin.
Senter said that about $6,000 has been raised so far for the Build-a-Pool fund — $5,000 from Splash Bash, a fundraiser that took place this summer. A Build-a-Pool fund has been officially established with the Marshall County Community Foundation, and anyone can donate by visiting www.marshallcountycf.org
No new fundraisers are being planned at this time, but Senter said that another committee member is working on sending letters to former Plymouth swimmers. More than 500 people who were at one time involved in swimming in Plymouth will receive letters.
“We have new kids (on both boys and girls teams) this year,” said Senter. “Our core is still very strong, and it’s great to have these new kids. We have six freshmen total. The community needs to know that swimming is still a vital part of the Plymouth community.”
With questions about the new pool or fundraising efforts, call Senter at 574-952-7379.